Crisp Verdejo wines from Rueda are perfect partners for summer
When days are sun-soaked with soaring temperatures, crisp and cool flavors in the glass and on the plate reign supreme. When it comes to the glass, light, chilled wines with mouthwatering acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, such as citrus, green apple, and ripe peaches, are perfect for beating the heat. Verdejo wines from Rueda fit the bill, with bright fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and clean minerality. Whether enjoyed on their own or as the key ingredient in a refreshing sangria, Verdejo wines from Rueda are perfect for summertime imbibing. Check out VinePair’s sangria recipe for some inspiration! And, for the plate, a quintessential dish for summer is the lobster roll, served in various ways depending on the regional style. For ideas on which Verdejo wines to enjoy alongside this warm-weather dish, check out some sommelier recommendations on Food Republic and enjoy!
OTHER RIBERA AND RUEDA STORIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
Young winemakers are taking the lead on young & fresh Tempranillo wines
In Ribera del Duero, among the smaller towns and hillsides connected by narrow, winding roads, a younger generation of wine producers is pioneering a new style of red wines from the region. In the peaceful medieval villages they reside in, they tend to old vines in small vineyards. Patricio Tapia, senior correspondent for Wine & Spirits magazine, visited several of these producers to learn about their approach to the classic Tempranillo, or the “tinto fino” grape, and the lighter and fresher style of wines they’re creating. Having studied in wine regions around the world, these producers bring a new perspective to their winemaking. Check out the full article on Wine & Spirits to learn more about what’s to come from these trailblazers from Ribera del Duero.
Javier Sanz: Classic, old-school Rueda in a smart, new-school fashion
Nestled in the center of the Rueda region in a Spanish town called La Seca, Javier Sanz is the quintessence of European charm: Warm brick encircles the tiny courtyard entrance. Halved wine barrels filled with rose bushes dot the cobblestone pathway. And, the winery is making some killer classic Verdejo, respecting the family’s ancestral winemaking tradition while also placing an emphasis on modern, eco-friendly production methods. A fourth-generation winemaker, Javier is committed to creating unique Verdejo. He uses local and often rare grapes like Malcorta (meaning “hard to cut” … so hard to cut that most people stopped growing it decades ago) and pre-phylloxera varietals (vines and grapes that weren’t wiped out by a massive fungal plague that swept Europe in the late 1800s and 1900s). However, the energy-efficient temperature control that winery uses, along with the family’s quirky and bright green electric car, shows that while the winery is honoring the past, it’s also looking to the future.
RIBERA Y RUEDA IN THE NEWS
Move over rosé, Verdejo is here to stay for the summer
While reaching for the rosé during warm-weather day drinking might be your default, take the path less traveled as you finish out your summer. Ribera y Rueda brand ambassador Sarah Howard explains why Rueda Verdejo should be next in your rotation.
Need a wine recommendation? How about this young wine from Ribera del Duero?
Finding a wine for everyday enjoyment is a treasure hunt, according to Dave McIntyre at the Washington Post. He recommends checking out selections from smaller importers for a chance to find a gem. Check out his recommendation for a young wine from Ribera del Duero!
Ribera y Rueda Wine